Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [15]
Inside the box were two heavy silver hair combs. Dark blue sapphires were clustered into intricate floral shapes atop the teeth.
My throat got all thick. Mom, Dad you shouldnt have.
Alice wouldnt let us do anything else, Renée said. Every time we tried, she all but ripped our throats out.
A hysterical giggle burst through my lips.
Alice stepped up and quickly slid both combs into my hair under the edge of the thick braids. Thats something old and something blue, Alice mused, taking a few steps back to admire me. And your dress is new so here-
She flicked something at me. I held my hands out automatically, and the filmy white garter landed in my palms.
Thats mine and I want it back, Alice told me.
I blushed.
There, Alice said with satisfaction. A little color-thats all you needed. You are officially perfect. With a little self-congratulatory smile, she turned to my parents. Renée, you need to get downstairs.
Yes, maam. Renée blew me a kiss and hurried out the door.
Charlie, would you grab the flowers, please?
While Charlie was out of the room, Alice hooked the garter out of my hands and then ducked under my skirt. I gasped and tottered as her cold hand caught my ankle; she yanked the garter into place.
She was back on her feet before Charlie returned with the two frothy white bouquets. The scent of roses and orange blossom and freesia enveloped me in a soft mist.
Rosalie-the best musician in the family next to Edward-began playing the piano downstairs. Pachelbels Canon. I began hyperventilating.
Easy, Bells, Charlie said. He turned to Alice nervously. She looks a little sick. Do you think shes going to make it?
His voice sounded far away. I couldnt feel my legs.
Shed better.
Alice stood right in front of me, on her tiptoes to better stare me in the eye, and gripped my wrists in her hard hands.
Focus, Bella. Edward is waiting for you down there.
I took a deep breath, willing myself into composure.
The music slowly morphed into a new song. Charlie nudged me. Bells, were up to bat.
Bella? Alice asked, still holding my gaze.
Yes, I squeaked. Edward. Okay. I let her pull me from the room, with Charlie tagging along at my elbow.
The music was louder in the hall. It floated up the stairs along with the fragrance of a million flowers. I concentrated on the idea of Edward waiting below to get my feet to shuffle forward.
The music was familiar, Wagners traditional march surrounded by a flood of embellishments.
Its my turn, Alice chimed. Count to five and follow me. She began a slow, graceful dance down the staircase. I should have realized that having Alice as my only bridesmaid was a mistake. I would look that much more uncoordinated coming behind her.
A sudden fanfare trilled through the soaring music. I recognized my cue.
Dont let me fall, Dad, I whispered. Charlie pulled my hand through his arm and then grasped it tightly.
One step at a time, I told myself as we began to descend to the slow tempo of the march. I didnt lift my eyes until my feet were safely on the flat ground, though I could hear the murmurs and rustling of the audience as I came into view. Blood flooded my cheeks at the sound; of course I could be counted on to be the blushing bride.
As soon as my feet were past the treacherous stairs, I was looking for him. For a brief second, I was distracted by the profusion of white blossoms that hung in garlands from everything in the room that wasnt alive, dripping with long lines of white gossamer ribbons. But I tore my eyes from the bowery canopy and searched across the rows of satin-draped chairs-blushing more deeply as I took in the crowd of faces all focused on me-until I found him at last, standing before an arch overflowing with more flowers, more gossamer.
I was barely conscious that Carlisle stood by his side, and Angelas father behind them both. I didnt see my mother where she must have been sitting in the front row, or my new family, or any of the guests-they would have to wait till later.
All I really saw was Edwards face; it filled my vision